I know there are women who dread the mere thought of turning 50, but I'm not one of them. In fact, I turned 50 not too long ago and all things, considered, I've never been happier. For me, 50 really is the new 40 (maybe even 35) and I'm embracing the beginning of my "second half" with a spirit of gratitude, celebration and anticipation .
Of course I have some regrets. Doesn't everybody? In my opinion, those without regrets haven't lived a full life. However, I can honestly say that I've learned from every relationship, job, relocation, or other major decision that didn't turn out the way I'd hoped. I'm comforted by the knowledge that each of those "mistakes" represented an important lesson that I needed to learn, and had I not experienced those lessons, as painful as they were, I may not be the woman I am today.
Of course I have some regrets. Doesn't everybody? In my opinion, those without regrets haven't lived a full life. However, I can honestly say that I've learned from every relationship, job, relocation, or other major decision that didn't turn out the way I'd hoped. I'm comforted by the knowledge that each of those "mistakes" represented an important lesson that I needed to learn, and had I not experienced those lessons, as painful as they were, I may not be the woman I am today.
I can't begin to count the number of things I've learned during my first half, which I sometimes jokingly refer to as my "practice", but here are few of the biggies:
1. Style is much better than fashion. It lasts much longer and wears much better. Style doesn't have to be expensive. In fact, it's much more fun when it isn't.
2. Having boundaries isn't selfish. Not having boundaries is a self-imposed recipe for disaster.
3. Debt is not unavoidable. Living within my means is much better than living under a mountain of debt to impress people I don't even care about. The people that I do care about don't care how much "stuff" I have.
4. My job doesn't define me, my passions do.
5. I used to be my own worst critic. I fired myself - permanently.
6. Clutter is as clutter does. It's unattractive, unproductive, and it drains me. Less is definitely more!
7. Solitude isn't a sign of failure. Genuinely enjoying my time alone is a sign of strength.
8. Forgiveness isn't something to do for the other person, it's my gift to myself. When I forgive someone who's hurt me deeply, the person I set free is me.
9. I'm doing the best that I can, one day at a time, and that's enough.
10. God loves me, and so do I.
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